Job Description: Community Outreach Worker

Program: Youth Violence Reduction Initiative (YVRI) Reports to: YVRI Coordinator Classification:Contractor

Position Overview

The Community Outreach Worker plays a frontline role in the Youth Violence Reduction Initiative (YVRI). This position is responsible for directly engaging youth and families most at risk of violence, building trusting relationships, and addressing barriers to safety and stability. Guided by national models in Community Violence Reduction Initiatives (CVRI), the Outreach Worker will focus on intensive relationship-building, service navigation, and connection to resources.

The Outreach Worker will act as a bridge between youth/families, YVRI provider partners, and the YVRI Coordinator to ensure consistent communication, accountability, and access to holistic supports.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Outreach & Engagement

Conduct proactive outreach to youth and families, including home visits, school visits, and neighborhood presence.

Follow up with families who have been difficult to reach by providers or the coordinator.

Build consistent, trusting relationships with youth and their families, maintaining appropriate boundaries while providing mentorship and guidance.

Resource Navigation & Support

Assess immediate needs of youth and families (e.g., food, clothing, housing stability, transportation).

Provide hands-on assistance with transportation to program services, school, court, or appointments.

Connect families to supportive services such as therapy, case management, employment opportunities, and community resources.

Support youth and families in developing problem-solving skills and strategies to address barriers.

Violence Prevention & Intervention

Serve as an early-warning point of contact for potential conflicts, sharing information with the YVRI Coordinator for intervention planning.

Provide crisis response support when youth or families are at heightened risk of violence.

Model nonviolent conflict resolution and connect youth to pro-social alternatives.

Collaboration & Communication

Maintain daily communication with the YVRI Coordinator to align outreach efforts with overall intervention plans.

Provide weekly updates on youth/family engagement status, barriers identified, and referrals made.

Participate in case conferencing with provider partners, sharing insights and helping coordinate wraparound services.

Document outreach contacts, needs assessments, and referrals in alignment with program data collection requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, human services, or related field.

Previous experience in outreach, case management, or youth/family engagement strongly preferred.

Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with youth and families in crisis.

Knowledge of local resources, community organizations, and systems (schools, probation, DCS, housing).

Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation required (frequent travel within Marion County).

Ability to transport youth/families safely when needed.

Commitment to nonviolence, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Compensation

Hourly Rate: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)